Gang shooting suspect to face 4 felonies

A gang member reportedly involved in last week's shooting near a Kennewick credit union has been charged with four felony crimes.

Jose Cardona, 21, of Kennewick, will appear in court today to enter a plea to first-degree assault, second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a short-barreled rifle. The assault charge includes a firearm enhancement, which would mean mandatory prison time if he's convicted.

Cardona is accused of shooting Miguel Montenegro in the stomach Dec. 30. Montenegro, said to be a rival gang member, required surgery.

Cardona claims he was confronted near HAPO Community Credit Union by Montenegro and another man, and hid from them in a nearby alley, court documents said. He told Kennewick detectives that when he saw the two men walk toward him, he "shot several times into the ground," documents said.

Prosecutors requested $200,000 bail for Cardona when they filed the charges Wednesday.

Never miss a local story.

Sign up today for unlimited digital access to our website, apps, the digital newspaper and more.